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Our football team is in pursuit of their third straight state title. The regular season has ended with one of the most dominant stretches in our program's history as the team has outscored opponents 406-30 in the last 7 games of the season.
It is a testament to their preparation and focus each week along with respecting their opponents which has culminated in their on the field success. This success has also translated into off the field success for many of the players in their school and personal lives. Yet, it is so easy to get caught up in the trappings of success.
In Revelations, Jesus warns us,
"I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth."
Christ is warning us about complacency. Being neither warm not hot is finding yourself in the middle where one does not take the time to care. Our senses are heightened when our backs are against the wall (cold) as much as when we are on our game (hot). It is the middle ground where we lose our focus and fall short of the mark.
Jesus is speaking of spiritual complacency which is the same as physical. The meaning here is that we can’t be lukewarm about our commitment to our spiritual purpose. We can’t try to balance our mortal needs and our spiritual purpose. It’s only by surrendering completely to the Presence of God within us that we can allow that Presence to provide whatever balance we may need.
Likewise, when we are competing we can't become lukewarm about our team goals. We have to hold each other accountable and rely upon the good habits which helped to bring about the success. The same commitment which raises our tides will continue to sustain us only as long as we stay committed to the pursuit of those goals with the same purpose.
It is much harder, and takes longer, to climb the mountain than it does to go down it. We must guard against complacency in all that we do in life so as to reach both our personal, team and spiritual aspirations.
